Cultural and Culinary Diplomacy: A Taste of Malaysia in Germany
The Embassy of Malaysia in Berlin, Germany, has successfully harnessed the universal language of food to foster cultural and culinary diplomacy, hosting a diverse array of activities such as cooking workshops and a cultural gala to promote Malaysia’s diverse and rich traditions.
Culinary and Cultural Events
The embassy’s culinary and cultural events, which concluded on November 12, marked a significant milestone in celebrating and sharing Malaysia’s cultural and culinary heritage with the German community. The events showcased the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Malaysia and received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees. The events aimed to promote cultural exchange and strengthen bilateral ties between Malaysia and Germany.
Cooking Workshops and Cultural Gala
Under the culinary and cultural diplomacy initiative, the embassy collaborated with the Palladin Cooking School to organize "Lunch and Learn with Dato’ Chef Ismail" on November 7. Young budding cooks who are undergoing training were tasked to learn and prepare Malaysian dishes, promoting culinary diplomacy and tourism. The event highlighted the Negeri Sembilan delicacy "Lemak Cili Padi Daging Salai," offering an opportunity to savor and present Malaysian cuisine.
The embassy also hosted an exclusive culinary diplomacy event entitled "Culinary Diplomacy: A Session with Dato’ Chef Ismail Ahmad" for international students from the Institute for Cultural (ICD) and diplomats. The event successfully showcased the diverse and rich culinary traditions of Malaysia, underscoring the powerful role of food in cultural diplomacy and international relations.
The Culinary Diplomacy week continued at Goldhahn and Sampson on November 8, where the Embassy organized a cooking workshop with Datuk Chef Ismail Ahmad, featuring "Laksa Nyonya Melaka" and "Acar Jelatah." The Cultural Gala 2024, organized by Malaysia Club Deutschland (MCD), was held in Frankfurt on November 2.
A Malaysian Movie Scope
Besides these events, the embassy also organized "A Malaysian Movie Scope" showcasing the film "Ola Bola" on October 25 and November 12 at ICD and Humboldt University Berlin, respectively. The event was held successfully, receiving enthusiastic feedback from the audience, who commended the film’s portrayal of social cohesion and its cinematography. Ambassador of Malaysia to Germany Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin said the film was chosen to demonstrate the importance of national unity, racial harmony, and national identity.
Conclusion
The events drew members of the diplomatic community, local residents, and Malaysian diaspora in Germany. The activities were lauded for their engaging and authentic representation of Malaysia’s culture, earning praise for their educational and inclusive approach. The Embassy of Malaysia in Berlin remains committed to fostering cultural understanding and will continue to host events that promote deeper connections between Malaysia and Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the purpose of the culinary and cultural events organized by the Embassy of Malaysia in Berlin?
A: The events aimed to promote cultural exchange and strengthen bilateral ties between Malaysia and Germany.
Q: What was the focus of the cooking workshops and cultural gala?
A: The events showcased the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Malaysia and promoted culinary diplomacy and tourism.
Q: What was the significance of the film "Ola Bola" in the context of the events?
A: The film was chosen to demonstrate the importance of national unity, racial harmony, and national identity.
Q: Who attended the events?
A: The events drew members of the diplomatic community, local residents, and Malaysian diaspora in Germany.